U.S. patent application number 11/421244 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for method and apparatus for detecting metal placed within a microwave oven.
Invention is credited to James Edward Bostick, Randolph Michael Forlenza, John Paul Kaemmerer, Raghuraman Kalyanaraman, Courtney Joseph Spooner.
Application Number | 20070278220 11/421244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38788897 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070278220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bostick; James Edward ; et
al. |
December 6, 2007 |
Method and Apparatus for Detecting Metal Placed Within A Microwave
Oven
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for
detecting a presence of metal objects placed in a microwave cooking
unit. A metal detection unit is activated to scan for the presence
of a metal object placed into a cooking area of the microwave
cooking unit. In response to receiving an indicator of the presence
of a metal object from the metal detection unit, the process
generates an alert indicating the presence of the metal object.
Inventors: |
Bostick; James Edward;
(Cedar Park, TX) ; Forlenza; Randolph Michael;
(Austin, TX) ; Kaemmerer; John Paul;
(Pflugerville, TX) ; Kalyanaraman; Raghuraman;
(Austin, TX) ; Spooner; Courtney Joseph; (Hutto,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IBM CORP (YA);C/O YEE & ASSOCIATES PC
P.O. BOX 802333
DALLAS
TX
75380
US
|
Family ID: |
38788897 |
Appl. No.: |
11/421244 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/730 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 6/666 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/730 |
International
Class: |
H05B 6/80 20060101
H05B006/80 |
Claims
1. A computer implemented method for detecting metal objects placed
in a microwave cooking unit, the method comprising: activating a
metal detection unit to scan for a presence of a metal object
placed into a cooking area associated with the microwave cooking
unit; and responsive to receiving an indicator of the presence of a
metal object from the metal detection unit, generating an alert
indicating the presence of the metal object.
2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
identifying a type of metal associated with the metal object.
3. The computer implemented method of claim 2 wherein the alert
indicating the presence of the metal object is sent if the type of
metal associated with the metal object is a harmful metal.
4. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
de-activating a microwave cooking function of the microwave cooking
unit responsive to detecting a presence of a metal object.
5. The computer implemented method of claim 4 further comprising:
re-activating the microwave cooking function upon receiving an
indicator of the removal of the metal object from the cooking
area.
6. The computer implemented method of claim 4 further comprising:
re-activating the microwave cooking function of the microwave
cooking unit upon receiving an override signal.
7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the
activating step further comprises: scanning a plane of an opening
to the cooking area for the presence of the metal object.
8. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the metal
detection unit is located in a face of the microwave cooking unit
and wherein the activating step further comprises: detecting, by
the metal detection unit, any metal object that passes through a
scan zone at the opening of the microwave cooking unit.
9. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
activating step further comprises: triggering activation of the
metal detection unit, wherein activation is triggered by opening a
door of the microwave cooking device.
10. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the metal
detection unit is activated to scan for a presence of a metal
object entering the cooking area of the microwave cooking unit.
11. An apparatus for detecting a presence of metal objects placed
in a microwave cooking unit, the apparatus comprising: a user
interface; a metal detector; and a controller, wherein the
controller further comprises: a bus; a storage device connected to
the bus, wherein the storage device contains a computer usable
program product; and a processor unit, wherein the processor unit
executes the computer usable program product to activate the metal
detector to scan for a presence of a metal object placed into a
cooking area associated with the microwave cooking unit; and
generating an alert indicating the presence of a metal object in
response to receiving an indicator of the presence of the metal
object from the metal detector.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: executing the
computer usable program product to identify a type of metal
associated with the metal object.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the alert indicating the
presence of the metal object is sent if the type of metal
associated with the metal object is a harmful metal.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: executing the
computer usable program code to de-activate a microwave cooking
function of the microwave cooking unit.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: executing the
computer usable program code to re-activate the microwave cooking
function of the microwave cooking unit upon receiving an indicator
of the removal of the metal object in the cooking area.
16. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: executing the
computer usable program code to re-activate the microwave cooking
function of the microwave cooking unit upon receiving an override
signal.
17. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprises: executing the
computer usable program code to scan a plane of an opening to the
cooking area for the presence of a metal object.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the metal detection unit is
located in a face of the microwave cooking unit and wherein
executing the computer usable code to activate further comprises:
executing the computer usable program code to detect, by the metal
detection unit, any metal object that passes through a detection
zone at the opening of the microwave cooking unit.
19. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein executing the computer usable
code to activate further comprises: executing the computer usable
program code to trigger activation of the metal detection unit,
wherein activation is triggered by opening a door of the microwave
cooking device.
20. A computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium
having computer usable program code for detecting a presence of
metal objects placed in a microwave cooking unit, the computer
program product comprising: computer usable program code for
activating a metal detection unit to scan for a presence of a metal
object placed into a cooking area associated with the microwave
cooking unit; computer usable program code for generating an alert
indicating the presence of a metal object in response to receiving
an indicator of the presence of the metal object from the metal
detection unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is related generally to an improved
data processing system, and in particular to a method and apparatus
for controlling a microwave cooking unit. Still more particularly,
the present invention is directed to a computer implemented method,
computer usable program code, and an apparatus for dynamically
detecting metal objects placed in a microwave cooking area.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A microwave cooking unit, such as a microwave oven, is a
device employing microwave radiation to cook, heat, melt, or
defrost food items. For example, one of the most popular food items
cooked in a microwave oven is microwave popcorn. Microwave ovens
generally utilize a magnetron, which is a device for generating
microwaves. Microwave ovens are popular because they are capable of
cooking food in a short amount of time by utilizing microwaves
rather than cooking by heat convection as in standard gas or
electric ovens.
[0005] Microwaves are radio waves within a frequency range that is
absorbed by water, fats, and sugars but not by most plastics,
glass, or ceramics. For example, when a ceramic bowl filled with
soup is heated in a microwave, the microwaves are absorbed by the
water and fat molecules, but not by the ceramic container. The
microwaves excite the water and fat molecules to generate heat
relatively evenly throughout the soup, although the temperature
within the microwave oven itself remains at approximately room
temperature. Thus, it is sometimes said that microwave ovens cook
food from the inside out.
[0006] Unlike most plastics, glass, or ceramics, however, most
metals reflect microwaves. When a metal object is left inside a
microwave oven cooking chamber during operation of the microwave
oven, the metal object can reflect the microwaves back into the
magnetron, where arcing can occur. This arcing can damage the
magnetron.
[0007] In addition, the presence of metal objects inside a
microwave oven cooking chamber can result in the production of
sparks and/or create a potential for a fire or explosion. For
example, metal utensils, a metal staple in a paper or cardboard
takeout bag or container, aluminum foil, tin foil, or metal plates
can cause the formation of sparks.
[0008] In addition, the presence of a metal object can cause a
potential for a fire and/or an explosion to occur. For example,
paper takeout bags containing food item are sometimes stapled shut
and cardboard takeout boxes sometimes include a metal handle. If
such a takeout container is placed inside a microwave for heating
without removing the staples and/or metal handle, the metal can
form sparks that cause the paper or cardboard to catch fire.
[0009] Mistakenly placing a metal object inside a microwave oven
can cause sparking, fires, explosions, and/or damage to the
magnetron. In cases where the magnetron is damaged, the microwave
oven heating element will not function. In such a case, the
microwave oven is generally rendered useless for the purposes of
microwave cooking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The aspects of the illustrative embodiments provide a
computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program
code to detect a presence of metal objects placed in a microwave
cooking unit. A metal detection unit is activated to scan for the
presence of a metal object placed into a cooking area of the
microwave cooking unit. In response to receiving an indicator of
the presence of a metal object from the metal detection unit, the
process generates an alert indicating the presence of the metal
object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a microwave cooking unit in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating data flow in a
process for generating a notification of a presence of a metal
object entering a cooking chamber in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controller in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for sending an
indicator of the presence and/or absence of a metal object in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing
notification of the presence of a metal object passing into and/or
out of a cooking chamber of a microwave cooking unit in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] A microwave cooking unit is a device employing microwave
radiation to cook, heat, melt, or defrost food items. As used
herein, a "microwave cooking unit" includes a microwave oven, a
convection microwave oven, or any other device for utilizing
microwaves to cook, heat, melt, or defrost one or more food items.
Microwave ovens are popular because they are capable of cooking
food in a short amount of time by utilizing microwaves rather than
cooking by heat convection as in standard gas or electric ovens. As
used herein, a "food item" is defined to include water, as well as
any solid, semi-solid, or liquid foodstuffs. For example, food
items include, but are not limited to, burritos, popcorn, pancakes,
pizza, pasta, soup, water, milk, coffee, chocolate, butter, fat,
protein, carbohydrates, and any other comestibles.
[0018] Microwaves are absorbed by water, fats, and sugars but not
by most plastics, glass, or ceramics. However, microwaves are
reflected by most metal objects. Thus, mistakenly placing a metal
object inside a microwave oven can cause sparking, fires,
explosions, and/or damage to the magnetron. In cases where the
magnetron is damaged, the microwave oven is no longer capable of
operating to cook and/or heat food items.
[0019] The aspects of the illustrative embodiments recognize the
need for a protection mechanism to prevent operation of a microwave
cooking function when a metal object has been placed inside a
cooking chamber of a microwave cooking unit. Thus, the illustrative
embodiments are directed to a method, computer usable program code,
and an apparatus for dynamically detecting a presence of one or
more metal objects placed in a cooking chamber of a microwave
cooking unit and providing a warning to a user as to the presence
of the one or more metal objects. A metal detection unit is
provided in the face of the microwave cooking unit. The metal
detection unit is localized and directional. The metal detection
unit is activated to scan for the presence of a metal object when a
door of the microwave cooking unit is opened and one or more
objects are placed in a cooking area of the microwave cooking unit.
If a metal object is detected passing through a scan zone of the
metal detection unit, the process receives an indicator of the
presence of the metal object. A notification or warning of the
presence of the metal object is provided to a user of the microwave
cooking unit.
[0020] With reference now to the figures and in particular with
reference to FIG. 1, a pictorial representation of a microwave
cooking unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 1
is a block diagram of a microwave cooking unit in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment. Microwave cooking unit 100 is a device
utilizing microwaves for microwave cooking. As used herein, the
term microwave cooking includes cooking, heating, melting, and/or
defrosting a food item via microwave radiation. In this
illustrative example, microwave cooking unit 100 is a microwave
oven.
[0021] Microwave cooking unit 100 includes a metal detection
apparatus 110. Metal detection apparatus 110 is any known or
available device for detecting the presence of metal, including but
not limited to, a very low frequency (VLF) or induction balance
type metal detector, a pulse induction (PI) type metal detector, a
beat-frequency oscillation (BFO) type metal detector, or any other
known or available type of metal detection apparatus for detecting
or sensing the presence of a metal object. In accordance with this
illustrative embodiment, metal detection apparatus 110 comprises
one or more metal detector(s) and a controller for controlling the
operation of the metal detector(s).
[0022] Metal detection apparatus 110 generates a signal when it
detects the presence of metal within a scan zone of metal detection
apparatus 110. In this illustrative example, metal detection
apparatus 110 is mounted in the face of microwave cooking unit 100.
As used herein, the face of microwave cooking unit 100 includes any
location associated with a front of microwave cooking unit 100.
Thus, a face of microwave cooking unit 100 can include, but is not
limited to, a frame or border of an opening to a cooking area of
microwave cooking unit 100, a top, bottom, or side portion of a
wall of cooking chamber at near the opening of the cooking chamber,
a door frame, a front panel, and/or any other location of microwave
cooking unit associated with a front or face portion of microwave
cooking unit 100.
[0023] Metal detection apparatus 110 generates magnetic field 120
in the plane of door 130. The scan zone of metal detection
apparatus 110 is the plane of door 130 occupied by magnetic field
120. Metal detection apparatus 110 is activated to generate
magnetic field 120 when door 130 of microwave cooking unit is
opened. When door 130 is closed, metal detection apparatus 110 is
in a standby mode.
[0024] Cooking chamber 140 encloses a cooking area within microwave
cooking unit 100. In this illustrative embodiment, cooking chamber
is a shielded enclosure, such as a Faraday cage, that prevents
microwave radiation from escaping into the environment outside the
cooking area of microwave cooking unit 100. Door 130 is also
layered with a conductive mesh type material that prevents
microwave radiation from escaping into the environment outside the
cooking area of microwave cooking unit 100.
[0025] When a user places a metal object into the cooking area, the
metal object passes through the scan zone generated by magnetic
field 120 as the metal object enters the microwave cooking area.
Magnetic field 120 interacts with the metal object as it passes
through the scan zone. In response to encountering magnetic field
120, the metal object generates a magnetic field of its own.
[0026] Metal detection apparatus 110 detects the magnetic field
generated by the metal object as a user passes the metal object
through the scan zone in the plane of door 130 when placing the
metal object into the cooking area of microwave cooking unit 100.
In response to detecting the metal object's magnetic field, metal
detection apparatus 110 generates a signal indicating the presence
of a metal object in microwave cooking unit.
[0027] Metal detection apparatus 110 also detects a metal object as
a user removes the metal object from the cooking area. Metal
detection apparatus 110 detects the metal object as the metal
object passes through the magnetic field as the object is being
pulled out of the cooking area. In this manner, metal detection
apparatus 110 can detect the presence of a metal object as the
object is placed inside the cooking area of microwave cooking unit
100. Metal detection apparatus can also detect the absence of the
metal object by detecting the metal object as it is removed from
the cooking area.
[0028] Digital display 150 and keypad 160 is a user interface that
provides output to a user and accepts input from the user. Digital
display 150 is any type of alphanumeric display for providing
information to a user in the form of characters, numbers, symbols,
or letters. Keypad 160 is an input device for data entry by a user.
Keypad 160 comprises alphanumeric keys and functional keys. For
example, keypad 160 can include, but is not limited to, numerical
keys for numbers 1 though 9, a function key for microwave cooking
popcorn, a function key for defrost setting, a function key to
start microwave cooking, a function key to add 30 seconds to a
cooking time, a function key for a timer setting, and/or a function
key to pause and/or stop microwave cooking.
[0029] In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, metal
detection apparatus 110 has a capability called discrimination.
Discrimination permits metal detection apparatus 110 to determine
and/or identify a type of metal entering the cooking area of
microwave cooking unit 100. Discrimination is possible because
every type of metal has a specific different response to
stimulation by a magnetic field, such as magnetic field 120. For
example, iron generates a stronger magnetic field in response to
passing through magnetic field 120 than some other types of metal.
Metal detection unit 110 with a discrimination capability
identifies a type of metal based on the type of magnetic field
generated by the metal object in response to passing through
magnetic field 120 generated by metal detection unit 110.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating data flow in a
process for generating a notification of a presence of a metal
object entering a cooking chamber in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. Microwave oven 200 is a microwave cooking
unit, such as microwave cooking unit 100 in FIG. 1.
[0031] When user 210 places a metal object, such as a metal plate
or metal fork into microwave oven 200, metal detection unit(s) 220
detects the presence of the metal object. Metal detection unit(s)
220 is a metal detection apparatus, such as metal detection
apparatus 110 of FIG. 1. Metal detection unit 220 is activated by
metal detection unit controller 230 when user 210 opens the door of
microwave oven 200. Metal detection unit controller 230 is any type
of controller for controlling the operation of metal detection
unit(s) 220. In this illustrative example, metal detection unit
controller is an application for controlling the activation and
de-activation of metal detection unit(s) 220.
[0032] Metal detection unit(s) 220 generates a magnetic field in
the plane of the microwave oven door, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
When the metal object passes through the magnetic field, the metal
object generates a magnetic field of its own. Metal detection unit
controller 230 detects the magnetic field of the metal object.
Metal detection unit controller 230 sends de activation signal 240
to microwave controller 250.
[0033] De-activation signal 240 is an indicator signal sent by
metal detection unit controller 230 to indicate the presence of a
metal object within microwave oven 200. In response to receiving
de-activation signal 240, microwave controller 250 de-activates the
microwave cooking feature of microwave oven 200. The microwave
cooking feature is the feature that permits operation of microwave
oven 200 for microwave cooking of one or more food items. If the
microwave cooking feature is de-activated, the microwave oven will
not function for the purposes of microwave cooking.
[0034] Microwave controller 250 is a controller for controlling the
operation of microwave oven. In accordance with this illustrative
example, microwave controller 250 controls microwave oven cooking
feature by controlling the operation of a magnetron associated with
microwave oven 200.
[0035] In this illustrative example, the magnetron of microwave
oven 200 generates microwave radiation within the cooking area of
microwave oven 200. Microwave controller 250 controls the intensity
of microwave cooking by activating and deactivating the magnetron
during microwave cooking. For example, when user 210 selects to
cook a food item at half power for two minutes, microwave
controller 250 activates and deactivates the magnetron at specific
intervals during the two minute microwave cooking time to decrease
the amount of microwave radiation generated by magnetron. The
longer the interval duration and/or the more frequent the intervals
during which the magnetron is de-activated, the less the intensity
of the microwave cooking.
[0036] In response to receiving de-activation signal 240 from metal
detection unit controller 230, microwave controller 250
de-activates the microwave cooking feature of microwave oven 200 by
deactivating the magnetron. When user 210 attempts to start the
microwave cooking feature, the microwave cooking feature will not
operate. However, microwave controller 250 is not limited to
controlling the microwave cooking feature by activating and
de-activating the magnetron. In accordance with the aspects of the
illustrative embodiments, microwave controller 250 controls the
microwave cooking feature by any known method for controlling
operation of a microwave cooking feature in microwave oven 200,
including but not limited to controlling the magnetron, controlling
the power supply to one or more parts of microwave oven, such as
the magnetron, in addition to any other method for activating or
deactivating a microwave cooking feature.
[0037] When user 210 removes the metal object from the microwave
cooking area, metal detection unit(s) 220 detects the metal
objecting passing through the scan zone at the doorway of the
microwave cooking unit as the metal object is removed from the
cooking area. In response, metal detection unit controller 230
sends re-activation signal 260 to microwave controller 250.
Re-activation signal 260 is an indicator signal sent by metal
detection unit controller 230 to indicate the absence of a metal
object within microwave oven 200.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment, metal detection unit
controller 230 indicates the absence or removal of a metal object
from within microwave oven 200 by de-asserting de-activation signal
240. Microwave controller 250 de-activates the microwave cooking
feature for as long as de-activation signal 240 is received. When
de-activation signal 240 is no longer received, microwave
controller reactivates the microwave cooking feature to permit
operation of microwave oven for microwave cooking. In accordance
with this embodiment, de-asserting de-activation signal 240 is an
indicator of the absence or removal of the one or more metal
objects from the microwave cooking area.
[0039] In response to receiving an indicator indicating the absence
or removal of the one or more metal objects from the microwave
cooking area, microwave controller 250 re-activates the microwave
cooking feature. In accordance with this illustrative example,
microwave controller 250 re-activates the microwave cooking feature
by re-activating the magnetron associated with microwave oven
200.
[0040] In addition, user 210 can override the de-activation of the
microwave cooking feature by entering an override signal, such as
override signal 270. Override signal 270 may be any type of signal,
password, alphanumeric sequence, phrase, symbol, letters, word,
key, code, or any other predefined signal to override de-activation
of a microwave cooking feature by microwave controller 250.
[0041] User 210 enters override signal 270 via user interface 280.
In accordance with the aspects of the illustrative embodiments, a
user can utilize any known or available user interface to enter an
override signal. In this illustrative example, user interface 280
is a digital display and keypad, such as digital display 150 and
keypad 160 in FIG. 1. User interface is implemented by means of
software residing in computer readable media in operation within
microwave oven 200.
[0042] In addition, microwave controller 250 displays alert 290 to
user 210 via user interface 280. Alert 290 is any type of warning
or notification of the presence of one or more metal objects in the
cooking area of microwave oven 200. Alert 290 is presented to user
210 as any type of available alert or notification type, including,
but not limited to a graphic alert, a sound alert, a vibration
alert, a flashing visual alert, or any combination of these alert
types. For example, upon receiving an indicator of the presence of
one or more metal objects in the cooking area of microwave oven
200, microwave controller sends alert 290 to user interface 280 for
presentation of alert 290 to user 210 by emitting a beeping sound
in addition to a flashing LED display notifying user 210 to remove
the one or more metal objects.
[0043] In accordance with another exemplary illustration of an
embodiment, metal detection unit(s) 220 and metal detection unit
controller 230 are embodied within a single component, rather than
as two separate components as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0044] In accordance with another illustrative embodiment, metal
detection unit(s) 220 and/or metal detection unit controller 230
have a discrimination capability. A discrimination capability
enables metal detection unit(s) 220 and/or metal detection unit
controller 230 to identify a type of metal of a metal object that
passes through a scan zone of metal detection unit(s) 220. Metal
detection unit(s) 220 identifies the type of metal of a metal
object based on the magnetic field generated by the metal object in
response to passing through a magnetic field generated by metal
detection unit(s) 220.
[0045] Metal detection unit determines whether to send
de-activation signal 240 to microwave controller 250 based on
whether the metal is a harmful metal. A harmful metal is a metal
that could cause arcing, a fire, and/or any damage to microwave
oven 200. For example, harmful metals could include tin foil,
aluminum foil, and/or any other type of metal that could cause
arcing, sparking, a fire hazard, and/or damage to microwave oven
200.
[0046] Metal detection unit(s) 220 and/or metal detection unit
controller 230 ignores metal objects detected passing through a
scan zone of metal detection unit(s) 220 if the metal object is a
harmless metal object. A harmless metal object is a metal object
determined to be a type of metal that does not cause arcing,
sparking, a fire hazard, and/or damage to microwave oven 200.
[0047] As used herein, a set of harmful metals is a predefined or
pre-selected set of harmful metals. A set of harmful metals
includes one or more of a type of metal that is a harmful metal. As
used herein, a set of harmless metals is a predefined or
pre-selected set of harmless metals. In accordance with another
example, the set of harmful metals is a user-defined or
user-modified set of harmful metals. In accordance with another
example, the category of harmful metals is a user-defined or
user-modified set of harmful metals.
[0048] In this illustrative example, metal detection unit 230 is
activated to scan for a presence of a metal object placed into
microwave oven 200. As used herein, the term "placed into" includes
a metal object entering a microwave oven as it is being placed into
the microwave cooking area, as well as a metal object that is
already placed inside the cooking area of the microwave oven. In
this illustrative example, metal detection unit 230 is activated to
scan for a presence of a metal object when a user opens the door of
microwave oven 200. In accordance with another illustrative
example, metal detection unit 230 is activated to scan for a
presence of a metal object when user 210 selects a control to
activate the metal detection unit, selects a control to begin
microwave cooking, and/or closes a door of the microwave oven.
[0049] In accordance with this illustrative embodiment, metal
detection unit 230 detects the presence of one or more metal
objects as the metal objects are entering the cooking area of
microwave oven 200. A metal object enters the cooking area as the
metal objects crosses a plane of the door of the microwave oven
200. However, in accordance with another illustrative example, a
metal object is detected after the metal object enters the
microwave cooking area. For example, metal detection unit 230
detects the presence of one or more metal objects placed into the
cooking area when a user activates a cooking feature. Thus, in
accordance with the illustrative embodiments, metal detection unit
230 can detect the presence of a metal object as the object is
entering the microwave oven cooking area, after the metal object is
placed inside the cooking area but before user 210 selects to
activate the microwave cooking feature to start microwave cooking,
when a metal object is removed from a microwave cooking area,
and/or any other time during which a metal object is within a scan
zone of a metal detection unit associated with microwave oven
200.
[0050] Metal detection unit controller 230 identifies the type of
metal of the metal object based on the magnetic field generated by
the metal object. If metal detection unit controller determines
that the type of metal is a harmful metal, metal detection unit
controller 230 sends de-activation signal 240 to microwave
controller 250. If metal detection unit controller 230 determines
that the type of metal of the metal object is a harmless metal,
metal detection unit controller 230 does not send de-activation
signal 240. In other words, metal detection unit controller 230
ignores the metal object if the type of metal of metal object is
not a harmful metal.
[0051] In accordance with another illustrative embodiment,
microwave controller 250 provides an identification of the type of
metal detected by metal detection unit(s) 220 to user 210 via user
interface 280. User 210 can override alert 230 and/or deactivation
of the microwave cooking feature of microwave oven 200 based on the
type of metal of the metal object.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controller in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment. Controller 300 is an example of a
controller such as metal detection unit controller 230 and/or
microwave oven controller 250 in FIG. 2, in which code or
instructions implementing the processes of the illustrative
embodiments may be located. In the depicted example, processor 310,
memory 320, and signal input/output (I/O) 330 are connected via bus
340. Bus 340 may be comprised of one or more buses, such as a
system bus and/or an I/O bus. Bus 340 may be implemented using any
type of communications fabric or architecture that provides for a
transfer of data between different components or devices attached
to the fabric or architecture. Processor 310 may include one or
more processors or CPUs. Memory 320 may be a main memory or a
cache. Signal input/output 330 includes one or more devices for
sending and receiving signals to and from different components in a
microwave cooking unit, such as digital display 150 and keypad 160
in FIG. 1.
[0053] Storage device 350 is also optionally connected to bus 340.
Storage device 350 may include any type of permanent and removable
storage media. Program code and instructions are located on storage
device 350 and may be loaded into memory 320 for execution by
processor 310. The processes of the illustrative embodiments are
preformed by processor 310 using computer implemented instructions,
which may be located in memory 320. Processor 310, memory 320,
signal input/output 330, and storage device 350 are functional
components that can be implemented as functions in an application
specific integrated circuit rather than using a processor paradigm.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
hardware of FIGS. 1-3 may vary depending on the implementation.
[0054] A controller, such as metal detection unit controller 230
and/or microwave oven controller 250 in FIG. 2, issues an alert to
a user via a user interface in response to receiving an indicator
of the presence of the metal object(s) from one or more metal
detectors associated with the microwave cooking unit. An alert can
take the form of any type of indicator of the presence of one or
more metal objects in a cooking area of a microwave cooking unit,
such as a visual or auditory alert. The controller discontinues the
alert when the controller receives an override signal. A metal
detector sends an override signal to the controller if the metal
detector detects the removal of the metal object from the cooking
area as the metal object passes through a scan zone in the opening
of the microwave cooking unit. In addition, a user interface sends
an override to the metal detection unit controller in response to a
user entering an override code or activating an override feature to
discontinue the alert. A user activates an override feature to
discontinue the alert where a user chooses to operate the microwave
cooking feature of a microwave cooking unit regardless of the metal
detector's detection of metal object(s). A user may choose to
activate an override where a metal object detected by the metal
detector is safe for microwave use. In accordance with another
illustrative embodiment, an alert indicator of the presence of
metal object(s) detected entering a microwave cooking area is sent
to a user via a user interface until an override is received.
[0055] In accordance with another illustrative embodiment, the
indicator is sent for a predetermined period of time. At the
expiration of the predetermined period of time, the alert indicator
is discontinued. In this illustrative example, if a microwave
cooking feature is disabled when metal object(s) are detected, the
microwave cooking feature is re-enabled after the expiration of the
predetermined period of time.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for sending an
indicator of the presence and/or absence of a metal object in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process is
implemented by an application for controlling one or more metal
detection units, such as metal detection unit controller 230 in
FIG. 2.
[0057] The process begins by determining if one or more metal
objects are detected within the scan zone of one or more metal
detectors associated with a microwave cooking unit (step 410). If
no metal objects are detected, the process returns to step 410
until one or more metal objects are detected. When one or more
metal objects are detected, the process sends an indicator of the
presence of one or more metal objects in a cooking area of the
microwave cooking unit (step 420) to a microwave controller. In
accordance with the aspects of the illustrative embodiments, an
indicator of the presence of the one or more metal objects in the
microwave cooking area includes, but is not limited to, a
de-activation signal, de-asserting a re-activation signal, or any
other type of signal for indicating the presence of the one or more
metal objects from the microwave cooking area.
[0058] Next, the process determines if an override has been
received (step 430). If an override has not been received, the
process returns to step 420 until a determination is made that an
override has been received.
[0059] In response to determining that an override has been
received, the process sends an indicator of the absence or removal
of the one or more metal objects from the microwave cooking area
(step 440) to the controller, with the process terminating
thereafter. In accordance with the aspects of the illustrative
embodiments, an indicator of the absence or removal of the one or
more metal objects from the microwave cooking area includes, but is
not limited to, a re-activation signal, a de-asserting of the
de-activation signal, or any other type of signal for indicating
the absence or removal of the one or more metal objects from the
microwave cooking area.
[0060] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing
notification of the presence of a metal object passing into and/or
out of a cooking chamber of a microwave cooking unit in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment. The process is implemented by a
software application for controlling a microwave cooking unit, such
as microwave controller 250 in FIG. 2.
[0061] The process begins by receiving an indicator of the presence
of one or more metal objects in a microwave cooking area (step
510). The process provides an alert or notification to the user
(step 520) via a display or user interface. The process then
de-activates the microwave cooking feature of the microwave oven
(step 530) rendering the microwave oven incapable of operating for
the purposes of microwave cooking until the microwave cooking
feature is re-activated.
[0062] The process determines if an indicator of the absence or
removal of the one or more metal objects is received (step 540). If
a determination is made that the indicator of the absence or
removal of the one or more metal objects is received, the process
re-activates the microwave cooking feature (step 550) with the
process terminating thereafter.
[0063] Returning now to step 540, if a determination is made that
the indicator of the absence or removal of the one or more metal
objects is not received, the process determines if an override
signal is received (step 560) from the user. If an override signal
is not received, the process returns to step 540 until either an
indicator of the removal of the one or more metal objects is
received or an override signal is received.
[0064] Returning now to step 560, if a determination is made that
an override signal is received, the process re-activates the
microwave cooking feature (step 550) enabling the user to start
microwave cooking, with the process terminating thereafter.
[0065] Thus, the illustrative embodiments are directed to a method,
computer usable program code, and an apparatus for dynamically
detecting metal in a microwave cooking unit and providing a warning
to a user of the microwave cooking unit. A metal object inside a
cooking area of a microwave cooking unit can cause sparks, fires,
explosions, and/or damage to the magnetron. Damage to the magnetron
can render a microwave cooking unit incapable of producing
microwaves for cooking or heating food. The illustrative
embodiments provide a metal detection unit in association with a
microwave cooking unit to detect the presence and/or absence of
metal objects within a cooking area of the microwave cooking unit.
A warning or notification is provided to a user if metal is
detected. Thus, the aspects of the illustrative embodiments provide
a protection mechanism to prevent damage to a microwave cooking
unit due to the presence of one or more metal objects in a cooking
area of the microwave cooking unit.
[0066] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible
implementations of systems, methods and computer program products
according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the
flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or
portion of code, which comprises one or more executable
instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It
should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in
the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved.
[0067] The invention can take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware and software
elements. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is implemented
in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware,
resident software, microcode, etc.
[0068] Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer
program product accessible from a computer-usable or
computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in
connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For
the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer
readable medium can be any tangible apparatus that can contain,
store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by
or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus,
or device.
[0069] The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or
device) or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable
medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic
tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM),
a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical
disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk-read
only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.
[0070] A data processing system suitable for storing and/or
executing program code will include at least one processor coupled
directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus. The
memory elements can include local memory employed during actual
execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories
which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in
order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from
bulk storage during execution.
[0071] Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to
keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the
system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers.
[0072] Network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable
the data processing system to become coupled to other data
processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through
intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modem and
Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of
network adapters.
[0073] The description of the present invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended
to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described
in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the
practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated.
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